Loose Canon

Artbank is an Australian Government initiative that supports the work of living Australian contemporary artists. Since its establishment over three decades ago Artbank has become one of the most significant collectors in Australia, supporting a diverse range of art purchased from commercial galleries and, more recently, by commissioning its own work. Around half of its 10,000-strong collection of Australian works of art is regularly on lease while the remainder has generally been hidden from public view. All that’s about to change with the opening of Artbank’s new home in Waterloo, which includes a large exhibition space. Plans are for four exhibitions annually – with some curated by Artbank staff and others to be guest-curated.

Just opened is Loose Canon, a play on the notion of an alternative art canon. The show encompasses a broad range of painting, sculpture, photography, video and prints. Senior curator, Daniel Mudie Cunningham, who says his intention was to give an audience the same sense of discovery as he’s enjoyed during his time with the collection, selected work for the first show. An eclectic mix of work by established and less well-known artists from all over the country was drawn entirely from Artbank’s vault. With links between works and artists designed to tell a less familiar story about Australian art, Loose Canon is the first in a series that establishes another meaningful role for Artbank.

Sharne Wolff

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